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Questions & Answers

Theophany

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › Our Lord and the Faith › Theophany

The question

What is the difference between Epiphany and Theophany?

The answer

"Theophany is a  Greek word. 'Theophania', (Theos - God; phaneia - manifestation) means in literal translation, "Manifestation of God". The literal meaning of Epiphany (Epi - above; phaneia - manifestation) is "Manifestation from above". So, both mean manifestation. In our Orthodox Church, we use the word Theophany to commemorate our Lord's baptism, and the manifestation of the Trinity after His baptism. The word Epiphany is usually used to commemorate all the feasts of the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ (Nativity, Circumcision, presentation to the temple...etc).

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 1245 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.